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Magnolias

Item: Magnolias
Author: Clare Sweeney

Cuisine: American, Local Specialty, New American, Seafood, Southern

Price: $$

10Best Says

Opened in 1990, this Charleston classic is a beloved favorite for many Holy City locals, as it is consistently delivering top-notch lowcountry dishes as well as attentive and welcoming service. Seafood dishes are a highlight of the Magnolias menus, with such items as Lowcountry Bouillabaisse, Spicy Shrimp and Sausage over grits, Blackened Catfish, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast serving as authentic representatives of lowcountry style cuisine. For a cheaper Magnolias dining option, opt to visit this East Bay Street restaurant for lunch or Sunday brunch; each of these menus shares at least a few options with the regular dinner menu.

Address:

185 East Bay St
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-7771

Hours:

Mon-Thu: 11:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11pm
Sun: 10am-10pm

Website:

magnolias-blossom-cypress.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Clare Sweeney
Charleston Local Expert

Lowcountry: "Enjoy Magnolias while exploring beautiful East Bay Street, lined with more restaurants, bars, and shops."

Best for Lowcountry Because: Magnolias makes our Lowcountry Restaurants list for its authenticity and welcoming atmosphere, despite its fine dining offerings.

Dinner Menu
- Uptown Appetizers
  
  Housemade Pimiento Cheese
  
  charleston flatbread ($9.00)
  
  Fried Green Tomatoes
  
  white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney ($10.00)
  
  Pan Fried Chicken Livers
  
  caramelized onions, country ham, madeira ($10.00)
  
  Housemade Potato Chips
  
  crumbled blue cheese, scallions ($9.00)
  
  Pan Seared Lump Crab Cakes
  
  lowcountry succotash, tomato butter ($15.00)
  
  Fried Mac & Cheese
  
  bacon jam, hot pepper relish ($9.00)
  
  Sautéed Prince Edward Island Mussels
  
  baby spinach, tasso ham & sweet corn cream, grilled sourdough ($12.00)
  
  Pan Seared Sea Scallops*
  
  sweet corn hoe cakes, micro arugula, brandied apple-bacon cream sauce ($15.00)
  
  Crispy Pork Belly
  
  local black-eyed peas, pickled hot peppers, arugula, warm bacon vinaigrette ($10.00)
  
  Down South Egg Roll
  
  collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper puree, spicy mustard, peach chutney ($9.00)
  
  Boiled Peanut Hummus
  
  pickled okra, hot pepper relish, charleston flatbread ($9.00)
  
  Heirloom Tomatoes
  
  arugula, lemon oil, balsamic syrup, jalapeño-pistachio pesto, fried goat cheese ($12.00)
- Soups & Salads
  Creamy Tomato Bisque
  chiffonade of fresh basil
  
  Cup: $5.00
  
  Bowl: $6.00
  Blue Crab Bisque
  fresh chives
  
  Cup: $7.00
  
  Bowl: $8.00
  Wadmalaw Field Greens
  lemon-lingonberry vinaigrette
  
  $7.00
  
  With Crumbled Blue Cheese: $9.00
  Southern Caesar Salad
  
  shaved parmigiano-reggiano, cornbread croutons ($8.00)
  
  Bibb Salad
  
  blueberries, candied pecans, crumbled blue cheese, lemon-poppyseed dressing ($9.00)
  
  Local Asparagus Salad
  
  arugula, country ham, deviled eggs, feta, green goddess dressing ($10.00)
  
  Cucumber Salad
  
  baby greens, tomatoes, red radishes, black-eyed peas, lemon-dill vinaigrette ($8.00)
  
  Herb Grilled Chicken Salad
  
  mixed greens, feta cheese, beefsteak tomatoes, cornbread croutons, sweet corn relish, honey-chipotle vinaigrette ($16.00)
- Small Plates
  
  Parmesan Chicken Breast
  
  chilled pasta, arugula, grape tomatoes, lemon-sherry vinaigrette ($16.00)
  
  Lowcountry Bouillabaisse
  
  local fish & shellfish, tasso ham, andouille sausage, corn, okra, new potatoes, bell peppers, spicy shellfish potlikker, grilled bread ($16.00)
  
  Ahi Tuna Au Poivre
  
  goat cheese & herb risotto, green beans, grape tomatoes, red onion, lemon-balsamic butter ($16.00)
  
  Spicy Shrimp & Sausage
  
  tasso gravy, creamy white grits ($16.00)
  
  Jambalaya
  
  creek shrimp, smoked chicken, kielbasa, jasmine rice, fried okra ($18.00)
- Down South Dinners
  
  Fresh, Local, & Vegetarian
  
  chef's selection of the season's freshest vegetables in an uptown/down south presentation ($22.00)
  
  Shellfish Over Grits
  
  sauteed shrimp, sea scallops, & lobster, creamy white grits, lobster butter sauce, fried spinach ($32.00)
  
  Bourbon Fried Catfish
  
  shrimp, andouille sausage & local butter bean succotash, creole grits, tabasco rémoulade ($26.00)
  
  Cedar Plank Salmon*
  
  local oyster mushrooms, baby spinach, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, dill-shallot vinaigrette, balsamic reduction ($28.00)
  
  Lump Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout
  
  sautéed mushrooms, roasted potatoes, local sweet peas & carrots, dijon mustard creamed leeks ($30.00)
  
  Parmesan Crusted Flounder
  
  jasmine rice & creek shrimp pirloo, sweet corn, tomato & asparagus salad, lump crab, citrus beurre blanc ($34.00)
  
  Sweet Chili Rubbed Ahi Tuna*
  
  habanero hummus & pepper jack spring rolls, roasted mango salsa, creole rémoulade ($32.00)
  
  Bbq Pulled Pork
  
  carolina red rice, collard greens, jalapeño-peach coleslaw, grilled cornbread ($19.00)
  
  Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast
  
  cracked pepper biscuit, mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, sausage-herb gravy ($21.00)
  
  Pan Roasted Duck Breast*
  
  blackened green tomatoes, arugula, goat's milk feta, sweet corn relish, cornbread croutons, warm bacon vinaigrette ($27.00)
  
  Grilled 8oz Filet of Beef*
  
  melted pimiento cheese, herb potato cake, grilled roma tomatoes, asparagus, madeira demi-glace ($34.00)
  
  Marinated Beef Tenderloin Medallions*
  
  tiny green beans, truffled hand cut french fries, brandy peppercorn cream ($32.00)
  
  Blackened 12oz New York Strip*
  
  warm potato salad, caramelized okra & sweet corn fricassee, demi-glace ($34.00)
  
  Grilled Pork Tenderloin*
  
  sweet corn bread pudding, local field peas, crispy pork belly, pickled hot peppers, natural jus, bbq rémoulade ($28.00)
- Sides
  
  Carolina Red Rice
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Mashed Potatoes
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Creamed Corn
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Collard Greens
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Asparagus
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Creamy Grits
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Green Beans
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Herb Potato Cake
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Sautéed Spinach
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Macaroni & Cheese
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Succotash
  
  ($5.00)
Lunch Menu
- Uptown Appetizers
  
  Housemade Pimiento Cheese
  
  charleston flatbread ($9.00)
  
  Fried Green Tomatoes
  
  white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney ($10.00)
  
  Pan Fried Chicken Livers
  
  caramelized onions, country ham, madeira ($10.00)
  
  Crispy Pork Belly
  
  local black-eyed peas, pickled hot peppers, arugula, warm bacon vinaigrette ($10.00)
  
  Fried Mac & Cheese
  
  bacon jam, hot pepper relish ($9.00)
  
  Housemade Potato Chips
  
  crumbled blue cheese, scallions ($9.00)
  
  Down South Egg Roll
  
  collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, peach chutney ($9.00)
  
  Boiled Peanut Hummus
  
  pickled okra, hot pepper relish, charleston flatbread ($9.00)
- Down South Entrées
  
  Shellfish Over Grits
  
  sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, & lobster, creamy white grits, lobster butter sauce, fried spinach ($16.00)
  
  Pan Seared Lump Crab Cake
  
  jasmine rice & creek shrimp pirloo, sautéed spinach, tomato butter ($16.00)
  
  Ahi Tuna Au Poivre*
  
  goat cheese & herb risotto, green beans, grape tomatoes, red onion, lemon-balsamic butter ($16.00)
  
  Lowcountry Bouillabaisse
  
  ocal fish & shellfish, tasso ham, andouille sausage, corn, okra, new potatoes, bell peppers, spicy shellfish potlikker, grilled bread ($16.00)
  
  Cedar Plank Salmon*
  
  local oyster mushrooms, baby spinach, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, dill-shallot vinaigrette, balsamic reduction ($16.00)
  
  Spicy Shrimp & Sausage
  
  tasso gravy, creamy white grits ($16.00)
  
  Parmesan Crusted Flounder
  
  jasmine rice & creek shrimp pirloo, lump crab, sweet corn, tomato & asparagus salad, citrus beurre blanc ($19.00)
  
  Bourbon Fried Catfish
  
  shrimp, andouille sausage & local butter bean succotash, creole grits, tabasco rémoulade ($14.00)
  
  Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast
  
  cracked pepper biscuit, mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, sausage-herb gravy ($21.00)
  
  Bbq Pulled Pork
  
  carolina red rice, collard greens, jalapeño-peach coleslaw, grilled cornbread ($19.00)
  
  Parmesan Chicken Breast
  
  chilled pasta, arugula, grape tomatoes, lemon-sherry vinaigrette ($16.00)
  
  Grilled Meatloaf
  
  whipped potatoes, green beans, brown gravy ($13.00)
  
  Jambalaya
  
  creek shrimp, smoked chicken, kielbasa, jasmine rice, fried okra ($18.00)
- Soups & Salads
  Creamy Tomato Bisque
  chiffonade of fresh basil
  
  Cup: $5.00
  
  Bowl: $6.00
  Blue Crab Bisque
  fresh chives
  
  Cup: $7.00
  
  Bowl: $8.00
  Wadmalaw Field Greens
  lingonberry vinaigrette
  
  $7.00
  
  With Crumbled Blue Cheese: $9.00
  Southern Caesar Salad
  shaved parmigiano-reggiano, cornbread croutons
  
  $8.00
  
  With Grilled Chicken: $16.00
  
  With Fried Shrimp: $16.00
  Bibb Salad
  
  blueberries, candied pecans, crumbled blue cheese, lemon-poppyseed dressing ($9.00)
  
  Local Asparagus Salad
  
  arugula, country ham, deviled eggs, feta, green goddess dressing ($10.00)
  
  Cucumber Salad
  
  baby greens, tomatoes, red radishes, black-eyed peas, lemon-dill vinaigrette ($8.00)
  
  Herb Grilled Chicken Salad
  
  mixed greens, feta cheese, cornbread croutons, sweet corn relish, beefsteak tomatoes, honey-chipotle vinaigrette ($16.00)
  
  Buffalo Fried Chicken Cobb Salad
  
  texas pete buffalo sauce, romaine, egg, avocado, beefsteak tomatoes, white cheddar cheese, bacon, buttermilk ranch dressing ($16.00)
  
  Grilled Salmon Blt Salad*
  
  goat cheese crusted baguette, beefsteak tomatoes, smoked bacon, arugula, lemon-caper vinaigrette ($15.00)
- Sandwiches
  
  Charleston Crab Cake Sandwich
  
  green tomato-caper tartar sauce ($14.00)
  
  Fried Green Tomato Blt
  
  corn & jalapeño bread, smoked bacon, melted pimiento cheese, red leaf lettuce ($13.00)
  
  Grilled Vegetable Wrap
  
  portobello mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, red onion, sprouts, spinach, fresh mozzarella, habanero hummus, jalapeño pesto ($12.00)
  
  Smoked Turkey Sandwich
  
  brioche, dijon mayo, lingonberries, arugula, havarti cheese ($12.00)
  
  Tuna Salad Wrap
  
  red leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, swiss cheese, dijon mayo ($11.00)
  
  Fried Shrimp Po' Boy
  
  tasso aioli, arugula, blackened green tomatoes, horseradish rémoulade ($13.00)
  
  Southern Cuban
  
  pressed hoagie roll, crispy pork belly, country ham, havarti cheese, spicy mustard, housemade pickles ($14.00)
  
  Magnolias Cheeseburger*
  
  kaiser roll, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon jam, caramelized onions, pickle rémoulade ($12.00)
Sunday Brunch
- Appetizers
  
  Housemade Pimiento Cheese
  
  charleston flatbread ($9.00)
  
  Fried Green Tomatoes
  
  white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney ($10.00)
  
  Boiled Peanut Hummus
  
  pickled okra, hot pepper relish, charleston flatbread ($9.00)
  
  Spicy Mustard Deviled Eggs
  
  paprika oil, chives ($5.00)
  
  Crispy Pork Belly
  
  local black-eyed peas, pickled hot peppers, arugula, warm bacon vinaigrette ($10.00)
  
  Down South Egg Roll
  
  collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, peach chutney ($9.00)
  
  Glazed Honey Buns
  
  cinnamon cream cheese ($8.00)
  
  Housemade Potato Chips
  
  crumbled blue cheese, scallions ($9.00)
- Soups & Salads
  Creamy Tomato Bisque
  chiffonade of fresh basil
  
  Cup: $5.00
  
  Bowl: $6.00
  Wadmalaw Field Greens
  lingonberry vinaigrette
  
  $7.00
  
  With Crumbled Blue Cheese: $9.00
  Local Asparagus Salad
  
  arugula, country ham, deviled eggs, feta, green goddess dressing ($10.00)
  
  Blue Crab Bisque
  fresh chives
  
  Cup: $7.00
  
  Bowl: $8.00
  Buffalo Fried Chicken Cobb Salad
  
  texas pete buffalo sauce, romaine, egg, avocado, beefsteak tomatoes, white cheddar cheese, bacon, buttermilk ranch dressing ($16.00)
  
  Southern Bacon & Egg Caesar Salad
  
  parmigiano-reggiano, bacon lardons, hard boiled eggs, cornbread croutons ($12.00)
- Brunch Favorites
  Country Fried Steak*
  
  white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, two over easy eggs, buttermilk biscuits, cracked pepper gravy ($16.00)
  
  Egg White Omelet
  
  grape tomatoes, baby spinach, split creek feta cheese, roasted jalapeño pesto ($12.00)
  
  Southern Cuban Omelet
  
  crispy pork belly, country ham, havarti cheese, pickled hot peppers, arugula, spicy mustard vinaigrette ($14.00)
  
  Steak & Mushroom Frittata*
  
  swiss cheese, arugula, caramelized onions, bordelaise ($15.00)
  
  House Smoked Salmon Frittata
  
  potatoes, bell pepper, local feta cheese, lemon-dill sour cream ($12.00)
  
  Pigs in a Blanket*
  
  buffalo chipotle sausage wrapped in orange-buttermilk pancakes, sunny-side up eggs, maple syrup ($12.00)
  
  Sausage & Cheese Biscuit Bread Pudding*
  
  over easy eggs, white gravy ($12.00)
  
  Huevos Rancheros*
  
  braised beef short ribs, refried local field peas, white cheddar cheese, tabasco sour cream, pico de gallo, two eggs ($15.00)
  
  Banana Pudding Stuffed French Toast
  
  peanut butter syrup, applewood smoked bacon ($12.00)
  
  Salmon Cakes Benedict*
  
  english muffin, poached eggs, country ham, sweet corn relish, chive hollandaise, seasoned potato hash ($12.00)
  
  Spicy Shrimp & Sausage*
  tasso gravy, creamy white grits
  
  $16.00
  
  Two Eggs Any Style*: $18.00
  Blackened Salmon*
  
  caramelized onion & white cheddar grits, green tomato chow-chow, tomato butter ($15.00)
  
  Fried Egg Sandwich*
  
  white cheddar, tomatoes, mayonnaise, country ham, sourdough, seasoned potato hash ($10.00)
  
  Magnolias Cheeseburger*
  
  kaiser roll, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon jam, caramelized onions, pickle rémoulade, sweet potato french fries ($12.00)
- Down South Classics
  
  Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast
  
  cracked pepper biscuit, mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, sausage-herb gravy ($21.00)
  
  Bourbon Fried Catfish
  
  shrimp, andouille sausage & local butter bean succotash, creole grits, tabasco rémoulade ($14.00)
  
  Parmesan Crusted Flounder
  
  jasmine rice & creek shrimp pirloo, sweet corn, tomato & asparagus salad, lump crab, citrus beurre blanc ($19.00)
  
  Shellfish Over Grits
  
  sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, & lobster, creamy white grits, lobster butter sauce, fried spinach ($16.00)
  
  Pan Seared Lump Crab Cake
  
  jasmine rice & creek shrimp pirloo, sautéed spinach, tomato butter ($16.00)
  
  Lowcountry Bouillabaisse
  
  local fish & shellfish, tasso ham, andouille sausage, corn, okra, new potatoes, bell peppers, spicy shellfish potlikker ($16.00)
  
  Jambalaya
  
  creek shrimp, smoked chicken, kielbasa, jasmine rice, fried okra ($18.00)
  
  Bbq Pulled Pork
  
  carolina red rice, collard greens, jalapeño-peach coleslaw, grilled cornbread ($19.00)
Desserts
- Southern Sweets
  
  Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
  
  mint white chocolate chip biscotti ($8.00)
  
  Key Lime Tart
  
  oreo crust, raspberry coulis, lime curd, toasted coconut, chocolate crinkle cookie ($8.00)
  
  Southern Pecan Pie
  
  bourbon caramel sauce, vanilla bean ice cream ($8.00)
  
  Magnolias Warm Cream Cheese Pecan Brownie
  
  white chocolate ice cream, fudge sauce ($8.00)
  
  Blueberry Shortcake Parfait
  
  lemon buttermilk cake, blueberry preserves, vanilla bean pastry cream, chantilly cream, toasted oatmeal streusel ($8.00)
  
  Spiced Peach Cake
  
  cinnamon anglaise, brandied peach compote, blackberries, peach ice cream ($8.00)
- Ice Creams & Sorbets
  Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
  Single Scoop: $3.00
  
  Double Scoop: $5.00
  White Chocolate Ice Cream
  Single Scoop: $3.00
  
  Double Scoop: $5.00
  Carolina Peach Ice Cream
  Single Scoop: $3.00
  
  Double Scoop: $5.00
  Double Chocolate Ice Cream
  Single Scoop: $3.00
  
  Double Scoop: $5.00
  Peach Sorbet
  Single Scoop: $3.00
  
  Double Scoop: $5.00

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